The aftermath of a weekend winter storm has left New York City and the surrounding Tri-State area grappling with high winds that have brought down trees, signs, and power lines. According to ABC7NY, winds on Sunday night caused widespread outages, affecting thousands of homes, particularly in New Jersey and Connecticut. The city's Riverdale section in the Bronx, as well as parts in Queens and Brooklyn, witnessed trees toppling over, some onto cars, prompting cleanup operations. Officials report at least 181 trees have fallen since Sunday afternoon and are urging residents to report any tree-related incidents to 311 or to call 911 in emergencies.
Travel disruptions followed the storm's path, with flight operations heavily impacted. High winds led to cancellations and delays, with "six percent of flights cancelled at LaGuardia, while JFK and Newark reported three percent of total flights cancelled on Monday," as acknowledged by ABC7NY. In response to the fierce winds, advisories and warnings remain active, cautioning residents about gusts that could exceed 50 mph through Monday.
In addition to the already harsh conditions, a significant drop in temperatures has created a recipe for bitterly cold days ahead. CBS News reports a deep freeze is settling in, forecasting "single digit and sub-zero wind chills by dawn" yesterday evening. The cold snap extends today with continued windy conditions sending chills through the region.
The robust wind gusts are suspected to have played a role in a narrow escape for a Queens family when a tree slammed into their home, penetrating an upstairs bedroom. Neighbors recounted to CBS News the intense moments as the tree, which seemed sturdy, was uprooted. "Very shocking to see. Looked like a very strong tree, you know how big they are," said a local resident. The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge experienced restrictions, banning certain vehicles like tractor-trailers and motorcycles due to safety concerns.
As the city braves the current cold, attention shifts toward a looming weather event— a coastal storm predicted to pass by on Thursday. Although earlier models hinted at significant snowfall, forecasters have since moderated their predictions. However, with still enough time for shifts in the forecast, city officials remain cautious. CBS News explains that models "have backed off dramatically since last week," but stresses the importance of not dropping our guard until the storm's path is certain.
